Your Rating:

Your Recommendations:

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked,
or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to
Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original
and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you
and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not
violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help
ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer.
However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or
to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the
information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reminder:

- By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its
sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the
review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.

- Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly
those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com
also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.

Best Book Ever!

This book was amazing. I got it at a book festival and even met Shannon Greenland (I got her autograph and she is sooo nice!). When I finally had enough time, I picked it up and started reading it. I could not stop reading it. It was amazing! I'm so glad that I decided to get it. It has just the right amount of everything... excitement, romance, emotion, suspense, etc, etc. Even my super picky friend loved it. She picked it up when I spent the night at her house (I took it just about everywhere with me) and she finished it by the next day. That's all she did the whole time I was over there. This book is amazing and I highly recommend it.

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted April 19, 2008

Silent addiction

When I found this book, I looked at it's subject and title and knew it was for me, but then, I literally judged it by it's cover and questioned the quality. And oh how wrong I was. This book was wonderful! I loved it because spy books have a great mysterious feel, like anything could happen at any moment. The author also pleases a wider audience range. The book has content to please those who like 'girly-girl' books, but not enough to annoy those who wish to avoid those type of books. These are all great traits, but my favorite aspect of this book is that before I realized it, I was sitting up until midnight and reading straight through classes. This is a silently addicting book. It is an amazing book that you can love, without obsessing over how great it is. The series is set up on a wonderful release schedule as well. Unlike other addicting series, you have to suffer an entire year to get a new book. This series releases a new book every 3 months or so. This is a great book and series to become addicted to. It has a nice light mood, a great spy theme, and a wonderful release schedule.

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted February 24, 2012

Amazing!!

I had recently just finished another spy book GG Academy and was looking for something intresting....this one is the most funniest I' ve ever read you will like it.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted May 31, 2008

An amazing novel!

Shannon Greenland does an amazing job in writing The Model Spy. The book pulled me in from the very first page and left me unable to put it down until I had finished the last sentence of the last page. She perfectly blended together the right amount of drama, action and comedy to make this book a truly enjoyable read.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Perfect for young girls ages 8 - 16!
OVERALL: 3
Story/Plot: 3 -

Story/Plot: 3 - The story/concept of &quot;The Specialists&quot; series is intriguing, as what young person wouldn't like the idea of being recruited for a top secret government agency?

That is basically the premise of this story and although I didn't feel pulled in and part of this world, I tried to step back and consider it from a young girl's point of view. I will be honest, although I enjoy reading young adult and teen books/series, I am an adult and can view a young adult book with a different set of eyes.

Thinking back on the book, I have to admit it would be considerably more enjoyable for my nieces or girls of a similar ages (8 - 16). Although I did put the story at a lower rating, I am sure a much younger girl might rate it higher at 4 STARS.

Re-read Value: 2 - I do not feel compelled to re-read this series.

Continue Series: 3 - 50/50. I do think this series has merit. There are a lot of unanswered threads which could keep a reader interested in the series. I am sure readers who read the series would be interested in the other young teens who were are recruited into The Specialists and there is some questions regarding the main character, Kelly/GiGi's family or rather just who her parents were, which might compel readers to continue onwards with the series to find out the answers.

This being said, I personally don't feel compelled at this current moment to read the next book, although I do have it in mind in the future when I get a chance to check out the other book in the series and see if the questions I have are indeed answered.

Characters: 4 - The characters are very unique, which is a good promise for a series. While considering my rating here, I was tempted to put down a 3, mainly because although I liked the characters, I didn't connect with any of them while reading this book. But, this is a series and as at the beginning of a series, the first book is merely an introduction to the vast characters and world which will be further developed and grow as the series progresses. This fact, coupled with the knowledge that a younger person who reads the series would more likely connect with the characters, I upped my rating to 4.

Cover: 3 - Another 50/50. Though this 3 could be considered representing &quot;I like it&quot; or &quot;It's alright&quot; just as easily. I am trying to be objective, but I must admit a tiny bias - I abhor the color pink. This cover screams bubble gum pink. I do like the little design - the 4 squares - going down the right side of the book and the image of a girl sitting with her laptop open DOES indeed fit the image of Kelly/GiGi in the story. I should also admit that after reading the book, when I think of Kelly/GiGi, I do not think &quot;pink&quot; would be represent her, but then that could be just me. My main guess is the cover design is mainly set up for the overall series.

Genre Fulfillment: 4 - As I mentioned up in the story section, this book is geared towards young adults or teens with the premise of a teens being recruited by the Government to join a top secret group due to their unique abilities. This book does indeed meet that standard. BUT, as a young adult book, I believe the book should focus on young adult or teen issues and provide a character which the reader could relate to. At the current moment I didn't feel the connection. Is this because as stated elsewhere I am older or will a connection be established if the reader continues the series?

Personal Involvement: 3 - You already knew this was going to be a low number and part of me feels horrible giving this such a low rating. I love reading. I love escaping into the books I read and feeling part of the stories I read. When there isn't that connection I am left wondering if there is something more I could have done, rather than there is something wrong with the story. I think all authors are amazing and their stories and worlds are fantastic.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Comedic, Entertaining and Fun!
This book reminds me of 'Miss Co

Comedic, Entertaining and Fun!

This book reminds me of 'Miss Congeniality' - a movie that Sandra Bullock starred in. But instead of an adult agent entering a beauty pageant to catch the bad guy, it's Kelly James, who is transformed from a nerdy geek into a beautiful model. It has that same comedic edge to it.

Even though there was that aura of cliche in the transformation of the character, I can't say that I didn't enjoy it. Kelly, the main character, was different. She was only about sixteen, yet she was nearing the end of her college years. She was geeky, invisible to the other younger people around her until David sets her up.

And that is where the adventure begins...

I really loved the plot to this book. I enjoy spy and adventure books - always have, always will. It was the whole family feel to it. A whole group of teenage misfits that had the sense that they belonged nowhere until TL (Team Leader) took them in and gave them a home - even if they were in actuality a group of teenage spies.

Kelly was an absolute joy of a character for me. Her voice was so funny and lovable that I adored her from the start. I guess the only thing that I didn't really like was her way of mixing up her words. But, taking into account that I have days where I have trouble stringing a coherent sentence together, I forgave the flaw. Her wit and sense of humor was what made this book such a fun read.

David, her love interest (sort of), was adorable. There were times when I thought he was bashfully cute. He really suited Kelly. I don't know what it was, but David and Kelly just clicked as a couple for me. It was a subtle romance.

And the other characters just made the book even more entertaining. Their talents and attitude added to the humor of this comedic book and they complemented each other. I don't think the book would have been the same without them.

Now if you're looking for an intense, serious read, this book isn't it. But, if you're looking for a fun read...one where you can just lay back and relax, then this book is for you. In fact, that's who I'd recommend this book to.

Review done by Sandy at Magical Manuscripts.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Great Young Adult Spy Series

Kelly is sixteen year old genius orphan. While at college, a cute guy asks her to find out information about his adoption. She ends up in custody for hacking into the government’s database. Kelly is give two choices, prison or to join the government as a spy. It doesn’t help that she finds out the cute guy that set her up is going to be her trainer.

Along with being super smart, 191 IQ, she is also tall and very pretty. There is a terrorist that has the location of a top computer programmer. He has a modeling school and Kelly is selected to play the part to find out where the programmer is at. At first she panics because she is so klutzy, but she finds herself as a model, with a creepy sick old guy fawning over her, and back up helping her find the hidden location.

I really liked this book. There were believable characters and great action. I loved the story, poor Kelly lost her family and has basically been stuck on her own throughout foster homes and such. But she finds a great family at the base. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.

This is one young adult action story that I think most teens will love.

I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Books4Tomorrow

Posted December 22, 2012

One chapter into this book and I was so hooked, I couldn¿t put i

One chapter into this book and I was so hooked, I couldn’t put it down until I’ve devoured it all in one afternoon! This book was everything I was hoping it would be, and so much more. “Model Spy” is one of those rare gems you read while smiling all the time. It’s fun, filled with adventure and excitement, and the non-stop butt-kicking action and suspense had my adrenaline pumping. I can only best describe it as X-Men (with brainpowers instead of super powers) meets Miss Congeniality.

I really liked all the different characters in this story. They were interesting, realistically flawed, and three dimensional. It was inspiring to see how GiGi, the main character, grew as a person and how she gained self-confidence. The budding romance between her and David was a slow climb and it was refreshing to meet characters who didn’t fall into each other’s arms in the second chapter of the book. Instead, the reader is kept guessing throughout the story whether these two will end up together or not.

The fast-paced plot is fraught with humor and more than enough tension to keep you turning the pages at a steady pace. Attention is given to detail and the author deftly draws the reader into the world of The Specialists by meticulously describing the setting and surroundings utilizing all five senses.

Although this is a read aimed specifically at the YA audience, it will undoubtedly be enjoyed by older readers as well. “Model Spy” is excellently written and I effortlessly indulged myself in this fantastic book. I was delighted to find there are more books available in this series that chronicles the adventures of GiGi and her new friends. I am thrilled to give this terrific book a well-deserved five stars!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

bookgal2

Posted August 14, 2012

i am wondering how many books are there in the series and what a

i am wondering how many books are there in the series and what are the names of all the books because i am so confused which is which and i am really wanting to read all of them.please help. thankyou!:)

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted June 27, 2012

Love it!

I love the roance action and comedy. The whole book is nonstop action. Any girl that loves spies must read this book!

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted January 30, 2012

Love The Book

The book was really good. LOTS OF SUSPENCE? Could not put it down!

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted November 27, 2011

To the person who wrote "plz help!"...THIS BOOK IS AwEsOmE

This is the best book ever! I am in 7th grade and I would absolutely recommend it. This book is kind of an action/spy book with a touch of romance. I would say that it's pretty much PG. If you like these kinds of books I would also recomend "I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You" by Ally Carter. It is my favorite book with a similar theme as "Model Spy". Again, this book is awesome!!!

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

dodgeluver1

Posted October 22, 2011

Plz help

Im not sure if i would like it. Im thinking about buying it, but im not sure if i would like it?!? Plz post an answer!!! Im a 6th grafe girl and i luv spy kinda stories. But PLZ someone post an answer to my problem!!!!! (Soon!!!!!) Ps I just put 5 stars so it would post.I need an answer!!!!!

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

Kelly, a foster teen with nowhere to call home, gets herself into a little bit of trouble hacking into a government computer system as a favor for her hottie R.A. Now she's under arrest. <BR/><BR/>Kelly's given a choice of being sent to a juvenile detention center or a government Special Operations Unit. Soon, her identity is gone and she's now Kelly Spree, working for the government as the resident computer genius with other teen agents. <BR/><BR/>But the biggest surprise is that it was all just a set-up, and that hottie R.A., David, well, he was sent to recruit her. <BR/><BR/>Now she's about to go on her first mission posing as a model and it's David who will be her backup. Kelly's finally found a place to call home and will do anything to stay there. So she does her job. She plays the part of the spoiled model convincingly while downplaying her crush on David. <BR/><BR/>If you liked I'D TELL YOU I LOVE YOU, BUT THEN I'D HAVE TO KILL YOU by Ally Carter, don't miss out on this great spy novel full of intrigue, drama, and one very big crush.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted September 21, 2008

Specialists Model Spy

This book will have you going insane and wanting more. It takes you into the story like your the main character. You have to buy this book or your life is incomplete.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted September 6, 2008

Great Spy-Action Novel

Kelly James is a computer genius that¿s why she¿s about to graduate college at the young age of sixteen. So when her (incredibly hot) friend David asks her to uncover some top secret information belonging to the government, she agrees and manages to hack her way through half the levels of the government¿s main computer system ¿ only to get caught. But instead of being sent to jail, Kelly is offered a chance to join a special-operations division of the US government called the Specialists. Even though it does mean changing her identity from Kelly James to Kelly Spree, or GiGi, she has no friends or family to go to so she has nothing to lose. And then she finds out that David also works for the Specialists. As if all these new changes to Kelly¿s life aren¿t enough to get accustomed to, this klutzy geek is now being sent on her first mission ¿ as an undercover model. It¿s going to take a lot of brainpower from this girl if she¿s going to make it out alive. I really love reading pretty much all spy novels for teens, and it¿s always a plus when the girls are the spies, because it makes the story all the more interesting. I¿ve really only read one other series in which the main characters are female spies, the Gallagher Girl series by Ally Carter, and I have to say that this first novel in The Specialists series was much more impressive. First of all, girl genius Kelly/GiGi is a lovable character because she¿s funny, smart, and sort of insecure many of her thoughts, except those pertaining to computer technology or other specifics, are easy to understand. The story was so much more enjoyable because Kelly seemed so real. Also, I loved the non-stop action, cool spy gadgets (not that I understood what most of them were for), international flair, and the touch of romance. It¿s really easy to get caught up in all the action of this story, but there was also enough characterization to keep me happy. Model Spy was such a unique story and definitely one that I immensely enjoyed. Readers looking for a step up from Ally Carter¿s Gallagher Girl series will definitely be interested in The Specialist series from Shannon Greenland. Or, if you¿re looking for an action-packed novel, then you¿ll also like this book. I look forward to reading the rest of this series as well.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted May 10, 2008

Awesome!!

This book was really good. It keeps your intrest and is very entertaining. I would definitely recommend this book.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted January 17, 2008

AMAZING BOOK!!

I loved this book. i had to of read it like 10 times already. I hopr GiGi and David get together in the series. They would make such a cute couple. But anyway next time u go to a book store, be sure to get this book. It's worth the money.

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted September 22, 2007

If there was a ten I'd give this book it

This book/series is the greatest I love it and i hope that David and GiGi get together in the series

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

Anonymous

Posted August 15, 2007

if you are spying for a great book this it !!!!

i LOVE this book it is so good. i love that it has action, romance, and best of all it's really funny! i mean i was laughing out loud the entire time!!!!!! i love this book and can't wait for the next books in the series to come out

Was this review helpful? YesNoThank you for your feedback.Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.